Gum up
verb
To make something not work properly.
He spilled coffee on his keyboard and gummed up the keys.
Often appears as...
- gum up the works
- gum up the machinery
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To make a situation or problem more confusing or complicated.
His constant interference is only going to gum up the whole negotiation.
Often appears as...
- gum up the negotiations
- gum up the issue
Usage tips
Informal
verb
To make something not work properly.
He spilled coffee on his keyboard and gummed up the keys.
Often appears as...
- gum up the works
- gum up the machinery
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To make a situation or problem more confusing or complicated.
His constant interference is only going to gum up the whole negotiation.
Often appears as...
- gum up the negotiations
- gum up the issue
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Obstruction
Used when something physical causes a device or tool to stop working correctly.
The printer got gummed up with paper pieces.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Commonly used in informal situations, such as casual conversation or storytelling.
The old gate was gummed up with rust and wouldn't open.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Extension
Can be used metaphorically to describe non-mechanical things that are slowed down or hindered.
My thoughts are gummed up from lack of sleep.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Obstruction
Used when something physical causes a device or tool to stop working correctly.
The printer got gummed up with paper pieces.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Commonly used in informal situations, such as casual conversation or storytelling.
The old gate was gummed up with rust and wouldn't open.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Extension
Can be used metaphorically to describe non-mechanical things that are slowed down or hindered.
My thoughts are gummed up from lack of sleep.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Obstruction
Used when something physical causes a device or tool to stop working correctly.
The printer got gummed up with paper pieces.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Commonly used in informal situations, such as casual conversation or storytelling.
The old gate was gummed up with rust and wouldn't open.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Extension
Can be used metaphorically to describe non-mechanical things that are slowed down or hindered.
My thoughts are gummed up from lack of sleep.
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